Gilders who apply genuine gold leaf on gesso and gilder’s clay need to cut the gold leaf into the appropriate sizes. To do this, they require a gilder’s knife made from high-grade steel, specifically designed for cutting gold and silver leaf on a cushion. Before using the blade, it must be carefully degreased with ethanol to ensure optimal performance. Avoid touching the blade, as this can cause it to become greasy. This knife is essential for the gilding process because its sharp edge allows for quick and accurate cutting of gold leaf into the desired dimensions for decoration. The bevel-shaped edge of the blade is expertly designed to glide over the leaves during pickup, ensuring a more efficient and thorough gilding process.
